middleofsomewhere | The Waking of Neran

The Waking of Neran

"Good morning Voidtreckers and passengers. Today is day twenty one of the month of Orchestra. We will be arriving in System #78961112094711 later today and the dressing carriage is open for your use."

It is indeed, with thick winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves in all sizes. There are also some bags suitable for carrying food, for anyone who wants to add to the festival food with more food!

They have the morning to prepare before another announcement.

"Shortly arriving in System #78961112094711. The weather is extremely cold, voidtreckers and passengers should wrap up warm and wear their SCA's at all times. Arriving in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."
The train shakes as they leave the void and they will see dark skies with glowing flecks of light falling down around them. It's only a glimpse before there is rock to both sides as they enter the landing area.

The Waking of Neran

... ARRIVAL TO OSIGA

THE VOIDTRECKER EXPRESS PULLS INTO AN OPEN HIGH-STACKED PARKING STATION, FILLED ALREADY BY A VARIETY OF VEHICLES. Darkness and the cold spills into where they pull in, lights and signs around to guide the Voidtreckers who exit the craft where they need to go, elevator and teleporting systems available to choose from.

For those turn their gaze to where the cold comes, they will see a view of the world: a landscape of mountains lit in burning bright blue. Like Christmas and city lights, they can be seen in the far distance, and the sky too glows with a shimmering, falling blue. It looks like a slow rain, while farther up, the twinkling of actual stars can be glimpsed.

This will be their view of the world for three Osiga days - 210 hours, give or take.

The lower floor widens into a train-like station, shuttles ready to take them into Osiga proper in short five minute rides. They just need to figure out they need to scan their SCAs at the turnstiles, which will beep with approval, and send a map to their SCA of the grotto.

With a handy dot to their hotel.

... THE IRUE GROTTO

HOTEL. THE EXTERIOR OF THE HOTEL IS STONY, A WALL OF UNEVEN ROCK WITH SLITS FOR WINDOWS CLIMBING UPWARD. It gives off a sparse, cold impression, but the interior is anything but. Inside the floors are smoother, a carpet in the middle of a lobby, and the walls are decorated with colourful paints and endless rugs and furs. There's seating, a roaring fire in one corner, and lighting set to a cosy mood.

There's stairs that can be taken, but also elevators. The bedrooms are much the same as the lobby, with paints and furs all around - the furs especially covering the beds, along with hand stitched quilts. In the centre is a fire pit, set with heatstones than wood or coal, and extras in a container by a wall with safety instructions of how to move them (with tongs and gloves).

Outside the rest of the grotto can be seen, a mish-mash of layers closer to a labyrinth. There's curtains for privacy, and also a screen to help blot out the sound.

FOOD & SIGHTS.

NOW, THE IRUE GROTTO CAN BE EXPLORED. The grotto is easy to get lost in, with stone stairs and archways doubling as bridges to lead to different levels, but always with something to see. Museums and art galleries fill most of the lower layers down, a few shops between of traditional trinkets and garments for those who come out interested in taking a piece of Osiga back with them. There are also day classes, with candle-making a big one on the first night.

Water runs through constructed streams, small but always in travel. They fall off into small waterfalls, eventually gathering into pools that always ensure drink is around. But there's also drinking spaces around, wall coves where servers mind the drinks, and people gather around on crouched seating. Privacy isn't a big deal in Osiga; visitors welcomed into conversation freely. The drinks favour the strong, spicy and sweet. Their traditional drinks are a fiery whisky and a sweet creamy milk drink flavoured by spices that taste very much like cinnamon and nutmeg. It is strongly alcoholic though there is a non alcoholic version as well. There are other drinks available of course from other planets but visitors are encouraged in a good natured way to try the good stuff.

And let's not forget the food. Most traditional Osigian dishes are spicy yet sweet, fatty, and largely meat. There are also food baskets all over, filled with wrapped snacks free for taking, or to add your own. Never let your neighbour go hungry. What will you find, dipping your hand in: a treat, or a mistake?

SORS PARKS, OPEN SKIES. THE FARTHER FROM THE HOTELS AND STATION VISITORS GO, THE MORE THE SKY BECOMES VISIBLE, AND WITH IT THE FALLING SNOW. Except this isn't snow, and those who venture out will figure this soon enough. There are sors parks up ahead, hard to miss for how they glow a brilliant blue, tall erratic sculptures shaped like an abstract mess. They're cold, even colder than the rest of the grotto, and near every entrance are wooden racks with coats and scarfs hanging from pegs, a bucket of heatstones to stick in pockets.

Keeping company is better than not. Anyone who goes in alone will find the chill uncomfortable to those who have someone else nearby, SCAs working stronger together. Paths somehow stay free from being covered in the icy mess, and every few yards are grit bins with small bags to put the contents in, instructions as to what to do.

And that's to throw them at the sculptures, into the air, and watch as the hardened ice disperses into a fizzle of lights. The sight is considered beautiful, and especially fun for kids and couples.

... ANAN & THE MINISTRY

It's maybe an hour or so after their arrival when a message comes through the comms on their SCA's.

boop beep boop beep / boop boop boop/ boop boop/ beep//
beep beep / boop beep//
beep beep beep boop/ boop boop boop/ beep beep/ boop beep beep / boop / beep boop beep/ beep/ boop beep boop beep/ boop beep boop/ beep/ beep boop beep/ beep beep beep//

"It didn't close the hack. I think your Voidtrecker Express likes me." Anan sounds almost triumphant. "Glad you all came. I'm at the drinking space next to the Irue Museam of Osigan Art."

For those that wish to go and meet her, they can.

... THE WAKING OF NERAN

NIGHT ONE: REMEMBERING. It's hard to tell when 'night' begins when the world is in darkness and there are more hours in the day then they are perhaps used to. But things begin to wind down a little, the art houses and museums close and the day activities are wrapped up.

People begin making their way to the main streets where the parade will go. Some people may have made candles throughout the day but there are also long candles for sale and 'fire' bearers carrying large torches to light the candles. The main lights are all turned off, plunging the streets into darkness lit only by the candles and the faint distant glow of sors.

The parade itself has large lit floats, literally floating above the ground, the lights are in intricate shapes. There are light dancers- people dressed completely in black to blend in to the night, with ribbons of light doing feats of acrobatics to music- instruments and volcaless voices weaving melodies.

After the parade passes by people move to the streams, where their floating candles that can be lit and sent on their way. There are designated areas for the tall candles to be placed- almost shrine like with areas to pray or think or sing- the helpful guides will assist anyone and are very open to the different ways people from various worlds and cultures may wish to remember their dead.

Afterwards people are encouraged to drink, eat, spend time with the living and swap stories of the dead. Dance and sing. It is upbeat, joyous and the tears are meant to be cathartic.

NIGHT TWO: PERSEVERING. After another day of activities- or resting and recovering from the excess of the night before the grotto again is ready in anticipation. The side of the grotto open to the sky is packed with people, ledges and railings packed with people. Even the buildings on this side of the grotto have opened their doors to allow people up on their roofs to watch the firework display.

Sparklers are sold, as are snacks and drinks and a voice comes through speakers throughout the space.

"NERAN! On this night you fight!" The crowd cheers. "Hear our dedication, return to us! For tonight is a night of COURAGE!"

The crowd cheers again and the fireworks begin. Loud and colourful, beautiful shapes, almost like dances in the sky. It's loud and it's busy but the atmosphere is great, throughout the night within the crowd there are marriage proposals, declarations of new jobs, decisions to travel the void. Bravery and courage abound- helped probably by the strong whisky that is flowing freely.

NIGHT THREE: UNITY. The festival continues, though it's a slightly later start on day three for many who are nursing hangovers, having a well earned sleep in preparation for the final night or just frantically trying to remember what declarations they had made the night before.

But the activities are still happening throughout the grotto- though the guides might advise any obvious voidtravellers that they may wish to nap before 'night' time, especially if they are not used to day/night cycles this long. The final night doesn't stop til sunrise after all and no one wants to miss the sun rising!

As the time comes for the party to start every square and every street is packed, music blares through speakers. Traditional Osigan music mixed with styles and music from other planets in the galexy. The traditional Osigan music has many layers, deep bass instruments that seem to make the ground itself rumble.

There is dancing, led by guides and locals. They are big circle dances, loud energetic and done in unity. There are callers who keep everyone in time and remind them of the steps but it is mostly an exercise in organised chaos.

But very fun organised chaos. There's extra chairs and benches set around for people who would rather watch or need a break from the endless swirl of dancers. There's plenty of water in large barrels for people to help themselves and other drinks are available to buy.

The party goes on for hours but eventually the music stops and there is an announcement that they have an hour left until sunrise. People begin moving out to find the best spots to watch. Up high on the cliffs people spread out rugs and blankets and settle, waiting.

The atmosphere is one of anticipation, people passing around drinks and snacks. Then there is a hush, a cry as for the first time in a month the first ray of light streaks across the sky.

Neran has awoken. The sun has returned once more.

OOC NOTES

OOC post. Ask questions here. The Ministry's testimony form is here

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"Next left," she says, pausing only long enough to unlock it before starting the manoeuvring phase of the adventure - and they'll quickly see what she's done with the place.

"But I'm glad it is working out. You deserve restful sleep."

Keep giving her ideas for Christmas presents, Alice, and you may end up very satisfied.

"Logical thus far," Guri replies as the elevator doors close in front of them. "I imagine the hotel would frown upon me painting the walls, after all."

It was...nice, watching her brain process like this. She found herself watching nuances of face, carefully.

Crowley on the other hand, continues to look sleek and stylish in his rather mysterious way. He's dressed in thick wool and insulated layers, a high mock-collar which is then wrapped with a scarf. The long coat keeps the wind off of his legs as well as the leather gloves do his fingers.

"Mn. Politics." Crowley responds with a shrug, "Best left to those more enthusiastic about it than you or I."

Crowley leads them back out of their hotel room and through the lobby. It seems from there, there is easy access to anything they may be interested in seeing.

Devero gasps, feigning total affront. "I'm going to tell each and every one of them you said that," he says, wagging his next piece of pastry at the priest. "You'll see how tough they are then."

It's all play, of course. What's not play is the effect that high level of spice is having on him, his eyes streaming as he eats that bite. "How much of this do we have left?"

"Good," Koumyou, however, isn't entirely playing. "They can try to prove me wrong. With cake."

Chewing on bite 3, Koumyou wipes his eyes clear enough to get a good look at what's left. "One more for each of us, I think."

And boy, Devero can tell that she's got this. With a wide smile, he leads her towards the circle of dancers. Two of the couples already dancing shift apart, creating a gap to invite them in which Devero steers them neatly into. "You're picking this up fast!" he says approvingly as they join in, switching unconsciously into letting her lead so he can follow her improvisations.

"Thank the virtues," he says before letting his mouth hang open and fanning cold air into it, as if that will help in any way. "I thought I could handle spice, but-- damn, maybe I'm not tough enough for our wedding cake."

"This one's already a lot," Koumyou agrees in a croak. Clearly, Osigan natives must eat actual fire and call it bland.

"So glad it's not just me," Devero says, and then has to cough to clear his throat. "Forget clearing my sinuses, this is totally immolating them."

He snatches up his last piece and jams it in his mouth. "Get this over with," he groans as he chews.

The dog exhibits all evidence of canine bliss, eyes closed and tongue lolling. He squints up at her and enjoys the scratching shamelessly for several long moments. But eventually he does get to his feet, licking one of her hands with his big tongue before backing off a few steps.

The dog bows low with his forelimbs stretched out in front of him, then bounces up onto his hind legs-- and up, and up, body shifting and reconfiguring from a big fluffy white dog to an even bigger man with black hair as almost as fluffy as the dog's fur.

Hi, he signs, his body language nothing so much as sheepish.

Devero laughs again, loud and booming, and gives Yondu a slap on the back. "Tell us when you figure it out, yeah?"

Koumyou also stuffs his forth and final piece into his mouth and chews rapidly.

Over soon! Over soon! Over soon!

As soon as he's swallowed, Devero starts fanning at his mouth again. Then something seems to occur to him, and he starts pawing at Koumyou's arm, right where the ARMS band lives on his bicep. "Water?" he says plaintively. "Please tell me there's still water in the band."

Koumyou had been so focused on getting that last piece down that he'd somehow forgotten about the magical inventory band on his arm for a few minutes.

Without trying to croak words past the pain, he darts a hand up his sleeve and starts pulling bottles of water out.

Devero wastes no time in seizing one and upending it into his mouth as soon as he's got it open. He starts draining it in big gulps, all the way to empty, and has to pant for breath when he's done.

"That did not help as much as I wanted," he whines when he can speak again.

Koumyou's right there with him, chugging a bottle down almost in tandem.

"We need milk," he agrees, panting for air once the bottle's drained. "But I don't have any in the band, so we're doomed."

"Nooo!" Devero cries melodramatically, collapsing back as far as he can in the heap of blankets. But then he peeks over at Koumyou hopefully. "What about bread? Bread can help, right?"

"Oh!" Koumyou immediately goes digging, "I... I think so?"

And sure enough, he finds bread. But will it help?!

Devero snatches a chunk out of the piece while Koumyou's still holding it and stuffs it whole into his mouth. He doesn't even chew it at first, just holds
it with all the dignity of a hamster and waits-- for it to--

Yes. The burn lessens, at least a little. He starts chewing with an appreciative sound that's nearly a moan.

"It might be a good idea to create a list of questions that we can ask someone from this world. These artifacts are clues towards what this world is like but the most helpful piece is the people who live here. But by looking at these things we will come up with questions that we might not otherwise ask."

And it is important to gather as much information as possible. No matter how small the piece of information might be.

Koumyou's immediately followed suit, though he can't help but reach up with both hands and pat pat pat Devero's full cheeks. Whilst looking just as ridiculous, himself.

Devero has to struggle not to laugh, because if he laughs he's going to choke. He bats Koumyou's hands away, shaking his head and then using his hands to tell him to fuck off, since his mouth is still full.

"Possibly or probably? These are two different definitives." He hears the weariness and doesn't mind an answer of uncertainty but clarity on said uncertainty is important. Is it uncertain or certain. A brow raises at the further discussion. Tobirama wasn't aboard the craft for the fake mission he hears so much about but reasonably people didn't find inspiration for trust from it.

It is interesting to know that the craft itself has its own will, so to speak. Operates under its own command, protocols and so forth. He sits on this information for a little while before choosing the next words. "Was this voidcraft once registered or did it become an illegal craft after the disappearance or destruction of its world and crew? It seems to follow some semblance of rule and protocol. At least, it chose to allow us to come here. It could have easily chosen to not."

Koumyou doesn't even miss a beat before returning the favor with one hand...

And grabbing another slice of bread with the other. Gotta stay primed, here.

Devero snags one too, and wastes no time eating the second immediately once he's finished the first. By the time he's got the second piece down, the burn has lessened enough that he's able to breathe without feeling like he's about to breathe fire.

"Okay," he pants. "Okay. That's better. Is it helping you?"

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The Waking of Neran

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